It's going to be a hot Memorial Day weekend. How to prevent heat stroke, heat exhaustion

Chad Murphy, Akron Beacon Journal

It's been blazingly hot in Ohio lately, with temperatures approaching 90 degrees in some parts of the state. And Memorial Day weekend, with its outdoor observances at local cemeteries as well as cookouts and family get-togethers, is not expected to cool down.

Combine the hot weather with outdoor plans and you get a high likelihood of heat stroke or other heat-related illnesses. Here's what you should know to prevent them.

What is heat stroke?

Heat stroke is the most serious heat-related illness, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It happens with the body loses the ability to cool itself. When you lose the ability to sweat, the body's temperature rises rapidly, potentially hitting 106 degrees or higher in 10 to 15 minutes.

Heat stroke symptoms

Symptom, according to the CDC, include:

  • Confusion, slurred speech or altered mental status

  • Loss of consciousness

  • Hot, dry skin or profuse sweating

  • Seizures

  • Very high body temperature

How to treat heat stroke

If someone is suffering from heat stroke, the CDC advises to first dial 911, then move the person to a cool, shaded area. Cool the victim using a cold bath if possible, wet their clothing with cold water or use cold, wet compresses on the head, neck, armpits or groin.

How to prevent heat stroke

To prevent heat stroke, the Cleveland Clinic advises avoiding strenuous activity in the heat and consume sports drinks or lightly salted water. Also, wear light, loose-fitting clothes in the heat.

If you must be outside for work or sports, gradually acclimate to the heat over several weeks. Also, you can just avoid the heat altogether by staying inside, in the air conditioning or well-ventilated areas.

Spending time outside in summer weather is fun, but it can also be dangerous if proper precautions aren't taken.
Spending time outside in summer weather is fun, but it can also be dangerous if proper precautions aren't taken.

What is heat exhaustion?

Heat exhaustion is the body's response to the excessive loss of water and salt, according to the CDC, usually through excessive sweating. It's most likely to affect the elderly, those with high blood pressure and people working in hot environments.

Heat exhaustion symptoms

The CDC says symptoms include:

  • Headache

  • Nausea

  • Dizziness

  • Weakness

  • Irritability

  • Thirst

  • Heavy sweating

  • Elevated body temperature

  • Decreased urine output

How to deal with heat exhaustion

If someone is suffering from heat exhaustion, the CDC recommends taking them to an emergency room or clinic for an evaluation or calling 911 if medical care is not available. Otherwise, remove the victim from the heat, and give them a cool drink. Remove some clothing to help them cool down, including shoes and socks. Apply cold compresses and encourage sips of cool water.

How to prevent heat exhaustion

To avoid heat exhaustion, the Cleveland Clinic recommends wearing loose, breathable clothing if doing physical activities outdoors in the heat and taking plenty of breaks in the shade. Also, stay hydrated. Take sips of water or sports drink every half-hour or so. And if you know it's going to be hot, plan your activities in the morning or evening, when it's cooler.

This article originally appeared on Record-Courier: What are the signs of heat stroke, heat exhaustion? What to look for

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